Could Madison Keys or Jessica Pegula usurp Coco Gauff as American World No.1 at the end of the Miami Open?

Not only is the prestigious title at stake at the 2025 Miami Open, but a few select WTA players will be battling for pole position as America's top player on tour.

The trio of Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys are ranked World No.3, 4 and 5 respectively prior to the commencement of the Miami Open. However, the gap between all three ladies is small enough that each player could find themselves as the United States' best at the end of the tournament.

Read also

Tournament Centre WTA Miami Open 2025: Schedule, Draw, Results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Gauff is in the driver's seat

The 2023 US Open champion sits as World No.3 with 6,063 ranking points, while Pegula has 5,361 points and Keys holds 5,004 points prior to the start of the Miami Open. Keys can move to a maximum of 5,884 points should the reigning Australian Open champion win the title. However, this means she cannot overtake Gauff under any circumstances.

Conversely, Pegula would hold 6,146 points should she triumph in Miami. This could be enough for the 2024 US Open runner-up to regain her position as the US No.1 player, although she would also need Gauff to lose before the quarter-finals.

However, Pegula could also be overtaken by Keys in the WTA rankings, and knocked back down to World No.5 or lower, depending on the results of other players. If Keys were to win the title, Pegula would be unable to match her compatriot's points.

The opening rounds will see Gauff will face Sofia Kenin in a battle between former Grand Slam champions, whereas Pegula takes on countrywoman Bernarda Pera. Keys will have her hands full as she squares off against in-form Armenian Elina Avanesyan.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe